Ōba Shiso 大葉青紫蘇

Ōba Shiso (大葉青じそ, 青紫蘇)

Ōba Shiso offers a fresh and aromatic flavour with notes of mint, basil, citrus, and anise, balanced by a mild peppery finish.
Use it when you want a versatile Japanese herb that adds a fresh aroma and distinctive flavour to everyday meals.

Why you’ll love it

– Freshness: Harvested, cut, and packed when you place an order
– Hyperlocal: Grown in Scarborough for pickup or local delivery
– Clean: Hydroponic, soil-free, and grown in a controlled indoor system
– Flavour: Fresh, herbaceous flavour with hints of mint, basil, citrus, anise, and a mild peppery finish
– Color: Large, vibrant green, serrated leaves with a crisp texture
– Best for: Sushi, sashimi, rice dishes, noodle dishes, salads, wraps, tempura, and garnishes

Best ways to use Ōba Shiso

Use fresh as a garnish or use it to wrap sushi, sashimi, grilled meats, or seafood.
Thinly slice the leaves and add to salads, rice bowls, noodle dishes, tofu, or chilled appetizers.
Whole leaves can be used in tempura, fresh spring rolls, or as an edible garnish for Japanese-inspired dishes.
Add near the end of preparation to preserve its fresh aroma and delicate flavour.

Ōba Shiso pairs well with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallops, shrimp, crab, grilled fish, chicken, pork, tofu, cucumber, daikon, avocado, umeboshi, sesame, soy sauce, ponzu, yuzu, rice vinegar, miso, and pickled vegetables.
Ōba Shiso is often used in sushi, sashimi, rice bowls, chilled noodle dishes, tempura, salads, and many traditional Japanese dishes.

Why hydroponic Ōba Shiso?

Hydroponic growing uses a water-based nutrient system instead of soil. This helps keep the crop clean, controlled, and close to the community.
Since we grow locally in Scarborough, travel time from harvest to pickup or delivery is reduced.

Indoor hydroponic growing can also support careful water use because water and nutrients are managed in a controlled system.
For customers, that means fresh local herbs grown with care, consistency, and less dependence on long-distance supply chains.

Freshness Tips

– Rinse before use
– Snip only what you need to help maintain freshness
– Keep refrigerated in a loosely covered container or bag to help reduce moisture loss
– Avoid storing near the back of the refrigerator where the leaves may freeze
– Use within 5 to 7 days for the best flavour and aroma

Browse all hydroponic herbs from 5N2
Learn more about hydroponic vertical farming from Farm Credit Canada (FCC).